Assistance offered to those looking to stop smoking

Quitting smoking can be one of the best decisions a person can make to improve his or her health, but doing so can be difficult.

The Kansas Department of Health is trying to help those who are committed to stopping their tobacco use through counseling on a toll-free line.

Over the phone, people can be coached on how to best deal with their struggles with kicking the habit. Additional resources will also be made available online.

KDHE director of health and Kansas State Health Officer Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips says utilizing a combination of sources will help people quit smoking.

"Quitting tobacco use may take several tries, but getting support through the Kansas Tobacco Quitline, using nicotine replacement therapy, such as the patch or nicotine gum, or other cessation medications will increase your chances of success," says Eberhart-Phillips.

Those who don't quit smoking are also likely to pay higher life insurance premiums as many life-threatening conditions are associated with the habit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people can immediately reap health benefits when they stop using cigarettes.

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